Whether the evils and their powers are real or not, they have played a crucial role in the world of fiction. And in the religious books telling the difference between wrong and right.
Many religions, movies, and literature talk about these demonic powers and how they can harm and destroy human life.
People confuse these devilish spirits with demonic supernaturals. But the terms are used interchangeably.
Its distinctly unique meanings vary depending on the literature, religious, mythological, demonological, and historical beliefs of origin.
Key Takeaways
- Devil is an evil being or a supernatural entity that is considered the chief opponent of God and the embodiment of evil.
- Demon refers to any malevolent supernatural entity associated with possession, temptation, and chaos.
- The concept of the devil is mostly found in Abrahamic religions, while demons are found in various cultures and religions worldwide.
Devil vs Demon
In many religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the Devil is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. Demons are supernatural beings depicted as evil spirits or fallen angels. In many cultures, demons are associated with evil.
Devils can be demons, as they can take any form. But a demonic can never take the place of a devil and the powers it holds.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Devil | Demon |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A devil is the imagery of evil as it is conceptualized in several cultures and religious traditions. It is seen as the exception of antagonistic and devastating energy. | A demon is a supernatural being, affiliated with darkness, prevailing historically in theology, myth, literature, mythicism, occultism, and fantasy. As well as in media such as films, comic books, television series, video games, and animation. |
| Meaning | It is considered to be the supreme spirit of evil. | It is considered to be an evil supernatural being. |
| Terminologies in the Ancient Greek | In Ancient Greek, it is known as the ‘Diabolos’, which means Slanderer. | In Ancient Greek, it is known as the ‘Daemon’, which means a Divine or Spiritual Power. |
| Evil Powers | As compared to Demons, devils are deemed to appear more fiendish and evil. | Demons are deemed to appear less evil than Devils and are consequential to them. |
| Strongness | A devil is stronger than a demon. | A demon is less strong than a devil. |
| In Religions | It has specific meanings in various religions. | It is associated with various cultures and religions. |
| Correlation | A devil is not a demon. | A demon can be called a devil, as it can take its form. |
| Fallen Angels | A devil can be the chief or leader of the angels who fell from heaven. | A demon can be any of the angels who fell from heaven. |
| Quantum Numbers | It is considered that there is one and only one devil. | It is considered that there are many demons. |
| Appearance | It cannot appear simultaneously in many places, as only one devil exists. | They can be anywhere as they are more in quantum. |
| Other Names | It may also be called Satan or The main opponent of God. | It may also be called Minions to the Devil. |
What is Devil?
It is considered to be the supreme spirit of evil. A devil is the personification of evil as it is conceived in various cultures and religious traditions.
It is seen as the objection of a hostile and destructive force. In the Ancient Greek terminologies, it is known as ‘Diabolos’, which means Slanderer.
A devil is not demonic, but it can take any form because the devil is more robust, appearing more ruthless and disastrous than the demon. It can be the chief or leader of the angels who fell from heaven.
It is considered that there is one and only one devil. It cannot appear everywhere at the same time. It may also be called Satan or The opponent of God.
But it continuously varies with its specific meanings depending on the various religions and their beliefs.
He is a mean spirit with an evil glint in his eyes. Many religions consider him a rebel as he decided to be alone after falling from heaven.
Also, portrayal in history is described as a man with pointed ears, horns, a forked tail, and fangs.
What is Demon?
While the devil is radically a mythological faith, demons are determined by various cultures. Many believe they are the befallen spirits who serve their devotion to the devilish soul.
A demon is a supernatural being, affiliated with darkness, prevailing historically in theology, myth, literature, mythicism, occultism, and fantasy.
As well as in media such as films, comic books, television series, video games, and animation. According to the Ancient Greek terminologies, a ‘Daemon’ means a divine or spiritual superiority.
It is considered that there are many demons; that can be anywhere. It also can be any of the angels who fell from heaven. This fact is associated with various cultures and religions.
Its meaning varies with them. It may also be called ‘Minions to the Devil’ as it represents their weaker devilish version.
Main Differences Between Devil and Demon
- A devil is the supreme spirit of evil. At the same time, a demon is an evil supernatural being.
- In ancient Greek terms, the former is known as Diabolos; conversely, the latter is a Daemon.
- A devil is a slanderer, while a demon is a spirit or divine power.
- Compared to Demons, devils are considered to appear more ruthless and destructive. On the other hand, demons are less evil and consequential to devils.
- A devil is more robust than a demon.
- A demonic is not a devil. But a sinister can be called a demon as it can appear in any form.
- A devil can be the chief or leader of the fallen angels. On the contrary, a demon can be any of the fallen angels.
- It is believed that there is only one ‘devil’ that exists. Whereas there are many demons, they can be anywhere.
- The previous cannot reach everywhere at the same time. But the succeeding can be at many places as they have more quantum.
- The first one is also called Satan or The main opponent of God. Contrarily, the second one is the Minions to the Devil.
- https://philarchive.org/rec/GERTNE-2
- https://brill.com/content/books/10.1163/ej.9789004196179.i-257.6/
This article has been written by: Supriya Kandekar
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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